Coming Back to SparkPeople

Saturday, April 20, 2013

I joined SparkPeople last year in November and did well for a while, but I went off the boil and then Christmas came and oh boy, did I over do it!

In January I had a major panic with gallstones - I didn't know I had them. One of my gallstones got loose and blocked my bile duct - which led to pancreatitis. I had felt bad all week, but I woke up one morning in absolute agony and finally admitted that I had to go to the hospital where I stayed for five days. In terms of my treatment I had such a good experience - people were just wonderful to me and I was so grateful and reassured by the treatment I received.

Because of the gallstones (and the risk of the pancreatitis recurring) I've really had to change the way I eat: red meat is gone, no cheese (*wails*) and everything is low fat. Also I eat vegetarian a lot of the time - but not 100% yet. Many, many things have changed.

So I gave myself some time to get used to that adjustment and I've only just come back to tracking properly on SP over the last couple of months. Also, I've really stepped up my exercise in the last few weeks and I feel amazing for doing that.

In terms of fitness, my starting point was lower than it had ever been. However, just be being realistic and going at my own pace, things are so much better already - so I'm in now for the long haul.

I'm finally getting to know my body and giving it what it needs - and things are looking good. As upsetting as the experience of pancreatitis was initially, I'm so glad that it happened because it has finally forced me to focus on my health and wellbeing and really taking care of myself.

I come and go! But each time I start from a stronger place. I have always eaten well ,but my exercise has blossomed over the last six months. Fortunately I haven't had to give up anything. I would hate to be vegetarian full time.